PETITION TARGET: Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee Chair and Minority Chair
In Pennsylvania, animal companions caught in the middle of a divorce are treated as mere property under the law, meaning their well-being and needs are not considered when determining who gets custody.
To address this issue, a state bill has been introduced that would give judges the authority to weigh several key factors related to an animal’s welfare when deciding where they will live and who will care for them.
“There’s no guidelines in the law right now for judges to do anything more with a pet than treat it as chattel, treat it the same way as ‘well, we’re going to divide up the furniture,'” said Representative Anita Kulik, the bill’s prime sponsor.
If passed, HB 97 would permit courts to evaluate factors such as who ensures an animal’s socialization, who can best cover their expenses, and who meets their everyday needs. It would also enable parties to enter into an enforceable agreement about who will care for and house the animal.
This important reform would both help animal companions receive the care they need when guardians separate and prevent them from being used as bargaining chips in divorce proceedings.
Sign our petition urging Pennsylvania lawmakers to support this legislation so animals aren’t treated as property when families separate and are given the consideration and dignity they deserve.
